Investments in the future – science, education, infrastructure

Investments in the development of science, improving the quality of education and infrastructure for teaching are an important element of a comprehensive view of reality and should be implemented without hesitation by the governments. On the other hand, students should remember that the choice of their educational path is also an investment. What are the undertakings of Poland and Hungary to increase the individual satisfaction of the young people and – on the other hand – to respond for the needs of the labor market? How to invest effectively in education and training?

The discussion moderated by Marta Mordarska, councilor, chairman of the Family Policy Committee and the Social Assembly of the Małopolska Region was attended by Adrienne Körmendy, Hungarian Consul General in Krakow, Monika Dunai, deputy of the National Assembly from Hungary, Alicja Kaczorowska, deputy of the Polish Sejm and Jan Golonka, President of the Board, Owoc Łącki.

The participants of the debate discussed the possibilities and priorities of cooperation, stressing the importance of the investment. The moderator started the meeting with the issue of building relations on the foundation of a common history and culture, addressing the panel with a question about factors that seem to be the most important elements of their communities.

Adrienne Körmendy pointed to the geographical and historical conditions that determined Polish-Hungarian relations over the centuries. The political integrity of the Baltic – Adriatic Sea was broken up by the partition of the Hungarian nation, but the establishment of an independent Polish state had an impact on the improvement of Hungary’s situation. “Now we have the opportunity to strengthen friendly relations from the Baltic to the Adriatic,” she said.

Monika Dunai appealed to the words of Pál Teleki, according to which “every nation must guard the soul, for it to be strong and clean.” She pointed to the need to strengthen national identity, values ​​that are “the backbone and soul of the nation” while caring about economic indicators. “It is a challenge for Hungary” she said. The deputy pointed out that the starting point for talks about education is the memory of family policy and natural growth. She stressed that Hungary’s devoting 5% of GDP to family policy is a unique phenomenon on a global scale.

In reference to the statements of the Hungarian parliamentarian, the moderator asked for the presentation of the Polish perspective of deputy Alicja Kaczorowska. Ms Kaczorowska pointed to values ​​conducive to the deepening of bilateral relations: infrastructure, speed of movement, important convergences in the politics of both countries. – We focus on patriotism, upbringing, sustainable development in every social group. Efforts aimed at ensuring the improvement of the quality of life regardless of the area of ​​residence – she said. The Polish parliamentarian pointed to the efforts of Poland and Hungary to adjust the living conditions of the citizens to those that are a standard in Western countries. She recalled the meeting of Prime Minister Morawiecki with the leaders of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Marta Mordarska asked Jan Golonka about the development of trade exchange, pointing to the tradition of trade routes that once led through Stary Sącz.

President Golonka said that infrastructure is the basis of such an approach, but it should be remembered – in the context of the quality of life – that people stay and work there, where there is also access to culture. He suggested that the region’s problems should be solved comprehensively, although he admitted that the lack of communication accessibility and infrastructure availability determines (blocks) the direction of the region’s development.

The moderator asked the consul Körmendy why – in her opinion – a relatively low percentage of young Hungarians appreciate the importance of Poland-Hungary cooperation. Adrienne Körmendy pointed to the necessity of education and the need for long-term education, especially when it comes to the young generation. – The priority is to raise Hungarians in friendship with Poland – she said. The Felchak Foundation aims to help people learn about Poland.

Monika Dunai said that good contacts with many countries is the essence of diplomacy, which in the case of Poland and Hungary is easy as we share a common European goals.

In conclusion, Alicja Kaczorowska said that the priorities for the coming years are: quick access to information and tightening of economic cooperation at a high level. – Today and tomorrow is Polish-Hungarian and Hungarian-Polish – she said.

President Jan Golonka concluded that the priority for both countries should be to promote access to development.